Arterial Aging, Metalloproteinase Regulation, and the Potential of Resistance Exercise

BACKGROUND: Aging is a process that affects all living organisms. The transition through life elicits tissue specific alterations in the functional and structural capabilities of all physiological systems. In particular, the vasculature is vulnerable to aging specific adaptations which induces morphological changes and ultimately increases the risk of pathological states. Matrix metalloproteinases are a group of extremely active enzymes that regulate the age-associated structural changes of the vasculature which has been regarded as the hallmark of arterial aging. Although this process in unavoidable, the structural and functional changes to the vasculature that occur as a result of advancing age can be positively or negatively influenced by our lifestyle choices. CONCLUSION: Exercise training has profound effects on the age-associated changes of the arteries which have been shown to be beneficial in offsetting the detrimental responses of aging. This review provides a brief synopsis of the matrix metalloproteinase induced alterations of the arteria during aging and highlights the potential of resistance exercise to influence such changes.